A real trial
President Trump’s political trial, with the slim possibility of conviction carrying a sentence of removal from office, finally came into focus Wednesday, as House Democrats named seven managers (aka prosecutors) and walked the articles of impeachment over to the other side of the Capitol.
The burden of proof is on those managers to show that, in trying to withhold congressionally authorized aid to compel foreign influence in the next election, Trump forfeited the nation’s trust. But as they are sworn in as jurors Thursday by Chief Justice John Roberts, the burden of fairness is on Senate Republicans — especially those who claim not to be kneejerk Trumpites — to facilitate a legitimate proceeding, not a go-through-the-motions acquittal.
The case for a real trial builds daily. Since the Democrats impeached last month, former national security adviser John Bolton announced his willingness to cooperate with a Senate subpoena. He must be heard.
This week, one of Rudy Giuliani’s indicted associates, Lev Parnas, turned over a treasure trove of documents, including a letter from Giuliani to Ukraine’s then-President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky. Identifying himself as “private counsel to President Donald J. Trump,” Giuliani demands that Ukraine announce an investigation into the Bidens promptly — further evidence that Trump was never interested in attacking corruption; he wanted a public proclamation that he could mine for political advantage back home. Military aid was then held back to put more pressure on Ukraine.
Trump’s Senate allies will put their heads down, run full speed ahead toward a party-line exoneration and hope for a bitter backlash against Democrats in November.
The judgment of history and the future of the country matter more. GOP Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney have already indicated they want to hear witnesses and see more evidence. Others who might also be so inclined include the retiring Lamar Alexander and Pat Roberts.
Paeans to courage and principle will ring hollow if votes to call witnesses fail.